U.S. MARINES HMA-369 Helicopter Attack Squadron Patch by COMMANDO

The U.S. Marine Corps HMA-369 played an important role in the development of Marine attack helicopter operations during the Vietnam War. Activated in 1972, the squadron became the first Marine helicopter unit to conduct offensive air operations, using AH-1J SeaCobra gunships from amphibious ships operating off the coast of North Vietnam. This COMMANDO patch commemorates HMA-369 and its pioneering contribution to Marine Corps aviation.

The History of HMA-369 – Marine Hunter Killer

Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 was activated on 1 April 1972 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa. Initially assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, the squadron was formed around the AH-1J SeaCobra, a specialised attack helicopter developed for the Marine Corps.

Only weeks after activation, HMA-369 was committed to Operation MARHUK, short for Marine Hunter Killer. The operation was designed to disrupt the movement of supplies from merchant ships anchored off the North Vietnamese coast to shore positions. Small supply craft were difficult targets for conventional aircraft, so armed helicopters offered a more flexible way to patrol coastal waters and attack these vessels.

On 16 June 1972, HMA-369 personnel and aircraft embarked aboard USS Denver (LPD-9). The squadron commenced operational missions from the ship, and on 20 June its AH-1J SeaCobras began interdicting enemy barges and ferries. The helicopters also performed low-level forward air control, helping direct Navy strike aircraft towards targets along the coast.

The AH-1J SeaCobra was particularly suited to this role. Developed specifically for Marine Corps service, it featured twin engines for improved reliability during overwater operations and a nose-mounted 20 mm M197 cannon. Its weapons and manoeuvrability made it effective against small vessels and coastal targets.

During MARHUK, HMA-369 operated from several amphibious ships. After its initial deployment aboard Denver, the squadron transferred to USS Cleveland (LPD-7) in August 1972 and later to USS Dubuque (LPD-8). These operations established an important precedent for the use of Marine attack helicopters from amphibious transport ships.

The squadron received the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Helicopter Squadron of the Year award for 1972. Its early operational achievements also contributed to the recognition of Marine helicopter gunships as an effective naval interdiction capability.

HMA-369 returned to Okinawa in January 1973, but its Vietnam-era service was not over. In April 1975, the squadron participated in Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of Phnom Penh, and Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon. Its helicopters supported the withdrawal of American personnel and other evacuees during the final days of the Vietnam War.

In April 1977, the squadron relocated from Okinawa to Camp Pendleton, California. It was redesignated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 (HMLA-369) on 15 September 1987, reflecting its expanded role operating both attack and utility helicopters. Over subsequent decades, the unit served in operations in Southwest Asia, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today, the squadron's lineage continues as HMLA-369, known as the Gunfighters. Its history traces back to the pioneering HMA-369 crews who demonstrated the effectiveness of ship-based Marine attack helicopters during the Vietnam War.

This COMMANDO patch commemorates the original HMA-369 designation and the squadron's pioneering role in Operation MARHUK, recognising an important chapter in the history of Marine Corps aviation.

Features

• COMMANDO U.S. Marine Corps aviation commemorative patch
• Recognises Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron HMA-369
• Commemorates the squadron's pioneering offensive helicopter operations
• Associated with Operation MARHUK during the Vietnam War
• Recognises the AH-1J SeaCobra and its role in coastal interdiction missions
• Commemorates the squadron's service during the 1975 Southeast Asian evacuations
• Suitable for military aviation enthusiasts and Marine Corps memorabilia collectors

Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0111
Patch Type: U.S. Marines HMA-369 Helicopter Attack Squadron
Construction: Woven
Dimensions: 110 x 110 mm
Attachment: Sew-on
Barcode: 9357994009290

HMA-369 holds a special place in Marine Corps aviation history as the first Marine attack helicopter squadron to conduct offensive air operations. Its early SeaCobra missions during Operation MARHUK helped establish the value of armed helicopters in maritime interdiction and amphibious operations. From its pioneering Vietnam deployment to its later service as HMLA-369, the squadron has maintained a proud operational heritage. This COMMANDO patch is a fitting addition to collections of Marine Corps insignia, Vietnam War memorabilia and military helicopter aviation history.